AN action plan is being devised to ensure the future of the Brownlow Centre in Claypit Street, Whitchurch.
In recent years, operating costs have risen above income at the community facility, and the management committee wants to highlight the venue in a bid to generate more income.
While the cente is well-used, there are gaps in its timetable and more groups are being encouraged to use it.
Management committee secretary and past pupil Jeff Still said: “The centre has spare daytime capacity as well as Tuesday, Friday and Saturday evenings available for hire, and we would welcome enquiries from other possible future users.
“Any donations would be gratefully received.
“We would also like to hear from any residents of Whitchurch and locality to include past pupils who might consider becoming a `Brownlow Buddy’ (a friend of the Brownlow Centre group) to support in any way they can with future fundraising activities aimed initially at securing its continued existence, then a programme of repair, replacement and improvement.”
An open day is being planned to give members of the public chance to view the building and see what it has to offer.
Mr Still can be contacted on 01948 663389 or by email at jeffreystill@talktalk.net
One of the founder trustees Dr John Clayton described it as a important facilty for the town which supports many groups and individuals, and he encouraged more people to use it.
The Whitchurch Community Centre(Trust) is known locally as the Brownlow Centre, after Lord Brownlow who gifted the old Junior School to the town.
Lord Brownlow’s grandfather, the fifth Lord Brownlow, originally donated the site for the former Church of England Boys’ and Girls’ Schools in 1897.
The school closed at Easter 1978 after the final group of pupils were transferred to the school’s new site, the old Girls’ High School off Station Road.
Ownership then reverted to the Brownlow family, and Lord Brownlow then donated the site back to the people of Whitchurch as a community centre for uses that would enhance the quality of their lives.
A Trust was created, comprising of two groups of trustees, the holding trustees vested with legal powers in relationship to the site and its buildings and a management group concerned with the its day-to-day management.
This second group is made up of annually elected officers, representatives of four of the town’s organisations and some co-opted members when deemed necessary.
Lord Brownlow travelled from his home in Guernsey to attend the official opening performed by H.R.H Princess Margaret on May 20, 1987 and the centre was named the Brownlow Community Centre Trust in acknowledgement of the family’s generosity.
In its early days as a community centre the YTS and Social Services both used two restyled ex classrooms.
Present regular users include the Christian Fellowship, Whitchurch Gym (the weightlifters), Whitchurch Town Band, three different groups of line dancers, Mums & Co, The Shropshire Child Contact Centres and table tennis players.
There is also a range of occasional and one off bookings ranging from Cage Bird Society shows to carpet sales.